Interview with Canadian Singer-Songwriter and performer Nikita Afonso

Nikita Afonso talks about her music journey, inspiration, experiences and upcoming new single.

ML&L - For those who might not be familiar with you, can you introduce yourself and give us a brief insight into your music and art? 

Nikita Afonso - I was born and raised in Penticton, BC, Canada. After graduating school, I packed up my whole life and moved to Vancouver to pursue my passion for music. After years of working on my craft and meeting amazing new friends I can now call myself a full-time musician! Saboutinging for local venues, private events and festivals as well as making music videos with a YouTube team called The Safehouse Project and releasing my own original music.


ML&L - Which artists influence you the most in your music?

Nikita Afonso - Some of my musical influences include Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Joni Mitchell. The story telling behind their songs as well as musicianship are so well thought out and inspires me to become a better songwriter.


ML&L - Are you planning new original songs or only cover songs?

Nikita Afonso - Writing my own material is something that is extremely important to me. I want to be able to write about and share my stories. I am currently in the process of recording my third project. We are aiming to release a new single in the fall but you can find already released music online through “Nikita Games” on all the streaming sites.

ML&L - Tell more about your 'Nikita Games' EP and ‘Nikita Afonso’ album. 

Nikita Afonso - Working on “Games” and “Nikita Afonso” were very eye opening experiences. I got the opportunity to work with incredibly talented musicians and engineers and see multiple ways of recording in the studio. I got to learn the process of putting together a cohesive project full of personal stories I got to write and help produce into songs and something someone can hold in their hands (or download online), listen to and share. It is a lot of hard work but is definitely addictive and I can’t wait to release new music very soon.


ML&L - Out of all the songs you’ve written so far, which is your favourite and why?

Nikita Afonso - My favourite song that I have written is a song called Frostbite. I wrote it in a time of extreme vulnerability and I think that while I am always being honest in my songs, this one lyrically and musically translated the raw and exposed emotions in a way I had never done before.

ML&L - What’s the toughest thing you’ve faced in your career so far?

Nikita Afonso - Moving away from my family/home and continuing to stay patient with the process has been the biggest challenge in my career so far. There are years and years of fine tuning your craft along with networking and trial and error in this business and knowing that it doesn’t happen overnight as much as people may think so. It is important to enjoy the process as a whole experience rather than just view it as “work” to get to your end goal.


ML&L - What thus far, is the most memorable moment you’ve had while performing for a live audience?

Nikita Afonso - My most memorable moment in my career so far has been being pulled up on stage by one of my favourite live performers, Keith Urban. I had the opportunity to sing his hit “Kiss A Girl” with him in front of 5000 people in an arena and it was the most amazing rush I’ve ever felt. Winning Best New Artist at the International Portuguese Music Awards in 2017 and Best Music Video in 2018 were also incredible experiences. It was so humbling and encouraging to see that my work and perseverance was paying off and that my music was at a level to be recognized by an international organization.

ML&L - What advice would you give to a young person looking to get into the music industry?

Nikita Afonso - My advice to someone looking to get into the music industry is to not be afraid to collaborate and meet new people. The industry takes a lot of hard work not only on the musical/creative side but on the networking and business side as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out and send emails, say hello and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to work with people you trust and to work within a committed team with the same goals in mind.  


ML&L - So can we expect anything else exciting from you in the near future?  

Nikita Afonso - Keep your eye out in the fall for my newest single!


ML&L - Any last words?

Nikita Afonso - Thanks so much for your time and connecting with me!